Who Would Like This Book:
If you get a thrill out of haunted house stories with a fresh twist, you're in for a treat here. "The Spite House" is a page-turner that dives right into its ghostly premise - no waiting around for bumps in the night! With a focus on a desperate family on the run, complex secrets, and a setting brimming with eerie Southern gothic vibes, this book delivers tension, haunting imagery, and a genuine sense of unease. It's perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries, psychological dread, and anyone who loves seeing new voices tackle classic horror tropes, especially readers who wanted a haunted house story with a little more depth and a diverse perspective.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This novel might not be for everyone - especially if you crave relentless scares or straightforward storytelling. Some readers found the rotating points of view confusing and felt the plot could’ve been tighter, especially in the second half. Those who want pure terror or tightly-plotted horror may be underwhelmed by its slower burn and focus on familial themes. And if you dislike ambiguity or endings that leave some loose threads, this might not tick all your boxes.
About:
The Spite House by Johnny Compton is a gripping tale that follows the Ross family as they seek refuge in a haunted house, desperate for money, a place to stay, and anonymity. The tension in the story builds as the family faces ghosts, secrets, and fear, all while navigating ulterior motives from the creepy old lady who owns the house and the looming presence of the man who built the house out of spite. Through multiple points of view, the author weaves a narrative that delves into generational curses, the depths of a father's love, and the chilling reality of being haunted in a town where ghosts are an everyday occurrence.
Compton's writing style in The Spite House is captivating and thought-provoking, drawing readers in quickly with deep fear and a unique take on the haunted house genre. The book offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the complexities of family dynamics, the concept of generational curses, and the unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of death, haunting, and generational curses.
From The Publisher:
A Best Horror Book of the Year (Esquire)!
A Bram Stoker Award Nominee!
A terrifying Gothic thriller about grief and death and the depths of a father's love, Johnny Compton's The Spite House is a stunning debut by a horror master in the making-The Babadook meets A Head Full of Ghosts in Texas Hill Country.
Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. When he comes across an ad for a caretaker for the Masson House, Eric hopes they have finally caught a lucky break. The owner of the "most haunted place in Texas" is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there-provided the house's horrors don't drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.
The job calls to Eric, not just because of the huge payout, but because he needs access to the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it will help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, too afraid to stop running…
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Ratings (25)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (8) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (78):
Read It (25) | |
Want To Read (39) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (13) |
1 comment(s)
3.75 I'll be honest the first little bit of listening to the audiobook I was not drawn in. I had to rewind and listen again, but I'm glad I did. I really liked this creepy story with a good moral inside.
What can you read after
The Spite House?
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